The property tax value estimates for Sanibel decreased over 2025, while Captiva saw an increase.<\/p>\n
The Lee County Property Appraiser\u2019s Office released its initial estimates for the 2026 values on May 29, which indicate a 1.19% drop for the city of Sanibel, but a 2.94% increase for Captiva as part of unincorporated Lee County. The early valuations for the fire districts varied, depending on the island.<\/p>\n
County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell reported in a statement that the value estimates provide a starting point to taxing authorities for their annual budget and property tax rate process.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese estimates reflect the mixed-bag of outcomes in our current market, with hurricane damaged properties continuing to be restored and sold, while much of the overall market in 2025 was stable at best,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to the estimates, the city\u2019s taxable value dropped about $66.75 million from $5.6 billion \u2014 1.19% \u2014 to $5.54 billion. Assessed value decreased 1.02% to $5.89 billion, down $60.63 million from $5.95 billion. Just value dropped 5.67% to $6.62 billion, down $397.41 million from $7.01 billion.<\/p>\n
Also for Sanibel, taxable new construction increased from approximately $37.054 million to $62.22 million. A drop was estimated for just new construction from $914.36 million to $188.5 million.<\/p>\n
The county\u2019s estimates, which include Captiva, show about a $4.4 billion rise in taxable value, from $149.52 billion \u2014 2.94% \u2014 to $153.92 billion. Assessed value increased 3.01% to $177.45 billion, up $5.18 billion from $172.26 billion. Just value decreased 1.94% to $215.57 billion, down $4.26 billion from $219.83 billion.<\/p>\n
Also for Lee County, taxable new construction decreased from approximately $5.13 billion to $4.68 billion, and just new construction dropped from $7.19 billion to $5.66 billion. As for the county\u2019s taxable school value, it increased $1.36 billion to $169.84 billion, rising 0.81% from $168.49 billion.<\/p>\n
In addition, the initial estimate for the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District decreased year-over-year, while the valuations for the Captiva Island Fire Control District and Upper Captiva Fire District increased.<\/p>\n
The Sanibel fire district experienced a 1.19% drop to about $5.54 billion, down $66.73 million from $5.60 billion. The Captiva district saw a 0.59% increase to $1.74 billion, up $10.28 million from $1.73 billion, and Upper Captiva rose 8.73% to $371.18 million, up $29.79 million from $341.39 million.<\/p>\n
Caldwell reported that his office will continue to refine the values.<\/p>\n
The official numbers will be certified on or before July 1, then sent to Tallahassee for approval.<\/p>\n